How could we?

Chapter 82 *with corrections

**Let's try this again. Please re-read from the top. I changed a couple of things and re-added the rest of the chapter.** 

Fatima POV:

It has been a whirlwind few weeks of planning, packing, and moving, all while preparing for the arrival of the twins. With the chaos, we didn't even get to host Christmas at our new place. Instead, we ended up celebrating at Andi's, where we were treated to a cozy, joy-filled lunch with all the warmth and laughter we needed after the long weeks. Everyone has gone above and beyond helping us get settled, and somehow, we managed to get the main house move-in ready. The rest—the mini guest houses and the outdoor space—will be finished in the new year. Standing here, in our new home, I'm completely smitten. I love it here.

But today is special—New Year's Eve and Zac's birthday. We start the morning slowly, both of us waking up before dawn, soaking in the calm. I lean over, whispering in a soft voice.

Fatima: Happy Birthday, baby.

Zac pulls me close, his hand resting on my belly, feeling the slight movements. It's like he's cherishing everything in this one moment—me, the babies, this new life we've created. We lie together in comfortable silence, with Zac breaking it only to say.

Zac: I don't usually make a big deal out of my birthday, but this year, I feel like celebrating. I've got everything I need right here. It's been a great year.

I smile, touched, as we lie there, and I turn to him, placing my hand over his heart, feeling it's steady beat beneath my fingertips. I pour out my heart, speaking life into him, telling him how grateful I am for everything he is.

Zac closes his eyes, breathing softly, as if he's meditating on my words and I can see that he's fully present with me, listening without a word.

Fatima: I love you so much baby, you are so much more than anyone ever told you that you could be. You carry the weight of everything with such grace, even when you think no one's noticing.

His eyes open, and he gives me a look that's both grateful and raw, like he's letting himself be truly vulnerable in front of me.

I press on, my voice filled with all the love I can give.

Fatima: You know, you don't have to be perfect to be worthy of everything good. It's okay to be vulnerable and to let others carry you too. You give so much, and I want you to know how beautiful that is.

He nods, a hint of emotion glistening in his eyes.

Fatima: Today, all I want you to do is receive. Let your people take care of you and love on you. You don't get to worry about anything and this is how you're going into your new year.

And then I bring up what he never talks about—the child he once was, the boy who had to grow up too fast.

Fatima: That little boy inside of you, the one who's had to protect himself and be strong long before he should have had to...he deserves to feel safe, loved, and celebrated. Today, especially, I want you to remember that he deserves joy, Zac. You deserve joy, and not just because of what you do for us, but simply because of who you are.

For a moment, it's as if my words settle over him like a weight lifting off his shoulders, the tension melting away. He reaches up, brushing a tear from his eye, and then leans over, kissing me softly.

Zac: You have no idea how much that means to me.

He whispers, his voice thick with emotion. We lie there together, our foreheads pressed, both a little tearful but overwhelmingly happy, cherishing the moment in each other's arms as the world begins to wake around us. Today is about him, and I want him to know he's allowed to bask in it—to celebrate himself fully, to honor the journey he's been on, and to let go of every burden he doesn't have to carry alone.